Baxter Regional Medical Center Surgical Services

For more information about BRMC Surgical Services, call (870) 508-1810.

When Baxter Regional Medical Center volunteer Judy Garrett needed emergency
gall bladder surgery, she experienced life as a patient and was grateful
for the exceptional care she received. The surgical team at BRMC performs
a wide range of procedures, from the most common to the most complicated
surgeries. Our board certified surgeons and anesthesiologists, working
alongside highly trained nurses and technicians, are armed with the most
advanced technology available.

Registration and Pre-Admission

BRMC has now implemented a new process for those having scheduled surgery
at the hospital. Once you have been scheduled for surgery, the next step
is to contact the Pre-Registration and Testing staff to make an appointment.
On your pre-registration date, you will check in at the Pre-Surgery Registration
located on the second floor of the Medical Arts Building. At that time,
a nurse will take a health history and answer any questions that you may
have about your upcoming surgery. Also at this time, insurance cards and
photo I.D. will be copied and any tests that you need will be performed.
These tests may include blood work, chest X-ray, and an EKG. A current
list of all your medications (name of the medication and dosage) should
be brought with you and patients need to be prepared to take care of their
co-pays or deductible. If your physician's office has not made this
appointment for you, you may call (870) 508-1865 to schedule your Pre-Registration
and Testing appointment.

Outpatient or Inpatient?

Some patients are admitted and discharged the day of surgery as outpatients.
Inpatients are admitted the day of surgery and remain in the hospital
for part of the recovery process.

Before Your Surgery

We want to make sure you are as comfortable as possible on the day of your
surgery. By following these guidelines, we can better ensure that your
surgery process will go smoothly:

Wear loose clothing, such as a sweat suit

Children are encouraged to bring a favorite toy or blanket

For your safety, we recommend not eating or drinking anything after midnight
the day prior to your surgery

Do not smoke or drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours prior to surgery to
avoid possible complications with anesthesia

Avoid wearing jewelry, metal hair pins or nail polish on the day of your surgery

If you wear contact lenses on the day of surgery, please bring a case for storage

Please leave your purse, wallet or other valuables at home

You may be asked to scrub the area where the incision will be made with
an antimicrobial soap

Please make sure someone else can drive you home, since anesthesia may
cause drowsiness

Your Surgery

On the morning of your surgery, please report to surgery desk on the 2nd
floor of the Medical Arts Building. You will be escorted to the preoperative
area and one family member or friend is welcome to accompany you. The
surgery waiting room is located nearby.

In the pre-op area, you will change into a hospital gown, be weighed and
have your vital signs checked. An IV line may be started and monitors
attached. Your surgical area may be prepared for the operation, depending
on the physician’s orders.

Once you are ready for surgery, you will meet the anesthesiologist, the
physician who will administer your anesthesia and monitor you during surgery.
You may receive medication to relax you through your IV line. This medication
may cause your mouth to feel dry and your vision to seem blurred. Your
visitor will be directed to the surgery waiting area before you are taken
to the operating room.

The Operating Room

Often referred to as the OR, the operating room is a sterile surgical environment
staffed by specially trained professionals: surgeons, surgical assistants,
anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses who make sure the environment
and procedures are sterile. You may notice the room’s cool temperature
and bright lighting.

After The Operation – Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

After surgery, you will be taken to PACU, or the recovery room. As you
recover, you will be constantly monitored by a trained post-anesthesia
care nurse. As the anesthesia begins to wear off, you may experience any
of the following symptoms: blurred vision, dry mouth, mild nausea and/or chills.

You may still have an IV line and even drainage tubes around the surgical
area. Your nurse may administer pain medication at your request. While
you are in the recovery room, your doctor will discuss your condition
with your family and answer any questions they have.

After an hour or two, you will either be admitted to a hospital room as
an inpatient or returned to the pre-op area to be dressed and receive
your verbal and written post-operative care plan. You will then be discharged
to your family’s care. Remember, you must have someone else drive
you home due to the effects of anesthesia.

Hospital or Home Recovery

Whether you are an inpatient or are going home immediately as an outpatient,
important steps help ensure a successful recovery:

Walk to stimulate circulation, if possible

Breathe deeply and cough to expand the lungs, aid circulation and prevent pneumonia

Follow recommended dietary measures; for example, your digestive system
may require only fluids for a short time after surgery

As an inpatient, you will be visited by your physician for a follow-up.
Outpatient surgical patients will go to the doctor’s office for
an examination in the days following the surgery.

It is critical that you have a friend or family member who has been properly
educated about your health and surgery to help with your recovery.
Your home care may require the use of
BRMC Home Health services. A home health nurse or therapist is provided through a doctor’s
prescription and makes weekly visits to monitor your progress.